Tim Janilla

1944 - 2025

Timothy Lee Janilla

The Ridge Runner Corvettes family lost one of their own when Tim Janilla passed away on
February 23, 2025.

Tim, along with his wife, Deanna, were co-founders of Ridge Runner Corvettes. As the club officially celebrates its 10th anniversary in July of 2025, we are saddened Tim won’t be with us to see this milestone in our club’s history. With Tim’s quiet, behind the scenes leadership and wise counsel, he helped the club flourish into the vibrant, charity minded organization that it is today.

Tim served Ridge Runner Corvettes not only as a co-founder, but also as its elected Member-At-Large from 2015 through 2016. When greeting visitors and members alike to our monthly club meetings, he always made sure they knew they were welcome. He always had a smile on his face, greeting everyone warmly, with genuine caring to all. He learned a member’s Corvette first, then associated a name to the car. Once Tim knew you, you were always greeted with a sincere question about what was going on in your life. Tim set the Member-At-Large standard high!

As an Army and Air Force veteran, Tim always supported organizations that assisted military veterans in their civilian lives. Tim, along with the club, are strong supporters of the charity Service Dogs for Veterans in Greenville, SC, and the assistance they lend to our Upstate veterans.

Tim loved and cared deeply for family and friends. He loved his Corvettes, along with his feline friends. He made sure all were well cared for and well fed. Those two loves are on display to the world with his beautiful Crystal Red Metallic 2011 Stingray Coupe that sports the license plate “EL GATO!”

Tim and Deanna’s favorite city was Charleston, SC, which they visited often. Tim especially took great pleasure introducing many of their friends to his favorite parts of the historic city. They hosted annual trips to the city with Ridge Runner Corvettes members, usually around Halloween, complete with costumes and lots of laughs.

Tim had a life well lived. We were all proud, honored, and blessed to call Tim our friend.

And, with the infamous words of Tim Janilla – “ROCK ON!!”

Tim Janilla

left
1944 - 2025

Phil Waddell

right
1953 - 2018

Phil Waddell was the first club member to pass away. Above is the title picture from Phil’s memorial page.

How uncanny that Tim would be the second club member to pass away.

It’s now a club tradition, if you can consider two a tradition. The club, with help from it’s members, purchased a brick at the National Corvette Museum in Tim’s honor.
If you visit the museum, look for Tim’s and Phil’s bricks in section W7.